Braco Bali

So let’s just hit it straight off the bat—if you’re googling “weather in Bali in January,” you’re probably trying to figure out if it’s a dumb idea to plan a trip then. I get it. January’s smack in the middle of Bali’s wet season. That means yes, it rains. Like… a lot sometimes. But don’t let that scare you off just yet.

I’ve been to Bali three times in January (I know, I know…who plans a tropical getaway during monsoon season? Me. I do.), and lemme tell you—while it’s not sunshine 24/7, it’s not non-stop downpour either. You’ll get these sudden afternoon rain bursts that just absolutely drench everything in sight, but they usually last like 30 minutes to an hour. Then it clears up and gets all humid and sticky again. So yeah, your hair might be in a constant state of “meh,” but it’s not like you’re dealing with hurricane-level stuff.

The average temperature in January? It hovers around 26°C to 30°C (78°F to 86°F). Nights stay warm too, so forget jackets. And the ocean’s still like bathwater—about 28°C (82°F), so swimming’s definitely still on the table.

Don’t cancel your trip—just plan it smarter

Alright, so if you’re still thinking of Bali in January, here’s the deal: you just gotta adjust your expectations. It’s not going to be postcard-perfect every single day. But it is lush. The island’s ridiculously green, the waterfalls are going full blast, and the rice paddies? Absolute movie scenes.

One thing I always tell friends: plan your outdoor stuff for the mornings. It’s usually clear-ish then, or at least you’ve got better odds. Afternoons are when the rain likes to crash the party. Like, if you’re planning a trek up Mount Batur, book the sunrise hike. Yeah, it’s a 2 AM wake-up, but you’ll avoid the heat and dodge the worst of the downpours. Totally worth it.

And if you get caught in a sudden tropical storm (which you will), just duck into a café or spa. Balinese massages during a thunderstorm? 10/10, highly recommend.

Things that kinda suck… but you can work around ’em

Okay, let’s be real—some stuff is annoying about Bali in January. Roads flood. Not always, but when it happens, it happens fast. Especially in spots like Seminyak or Canggu where the drainage is… let’s just say “a work in progress.” If you’re riding a scooter, which 90% of folks do, prepare to get soggy. I usually carry a cheap rain poncho in my backpack and wear flip-flops—wet sneakers are straight-up misery.

Also, the humidity. Oh man. If you’re not used to it, you’ll feel like you’re in a steamy bathroom all day. Makeup? Forget it. It’ll slide right off your face. I pretty much live in linen shirts and avoid anything that sticks. And drink so much water. I didn’t my first trip and got wrecked by dehydration halfway through a temple tour. Not cute.

Some beaches get kinda rough too. Not everywhere, but especially the southern ones. If you’re a surfer, this could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on your level. I’ve seen beginners get tossed around like socks in a washing machine at Echo Beach in January.

But here’s the good stuff people don’t talk about

Now, lemme tell you the flip side of the rainy coin. First off—crowds? Way thinner than peak season (like July or August). You can actually find a beach spot without playing towel Tetris. And hotels? Mad deals everywhere. I once snagged a beachfront bungalow in Sanur for literally half the price I paid in September. Same place, same room, same dreamy view. Just more puddles outside.

Also, the island just feels more chill. Locals aren’t as rushed, there’s space at restaurants, and you don’t need to book everything like a week in advance. Even the monkeys at Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest seem less aggressive—maybe it’s the rain? Who knows.

Another perk: waterfalls are insane in January. Like, properly roaring. Tegenungan, Gitgit, Sekumpul—they’re all way more impressive with all that rainwater fueling them. You might get wet on the way there, but you’re getting wet anyway, right?

Stuff to pack if you’re heading to Bali in January (and wanna be prepared, not paranoid)

Don’t go overboard, but a few things can really save your butt in the rainy season:

• Lightweight rain jacket or poncho. Not the big bulky kind—just something you can scrunch up and keep in your bag.
• Waterproof bags or covers. I learned the hard way when my camera bag got soaked in Uluwatu. Not fun.
• Flip-flops or sandals with grip. Streets get slick and muddy. Also, nobody wants to peel off soggy socks.
• Mosquito repellent. All that rain means more standing water, which means… yep, mozzies. Bring the good stuff with DEET. The local sprays are fine, but I swear by my own stash from home.
• Quick-dry clothes. Wet jeans are not it. I bring a bunch of linen and light cotton stuff that dries fast.
• Reusable water bottle. You’ll be drinking a lot more than usual, especially if you’re sweating bullets 24/7.

And honestly? Toss in a good book or two. Sometimes it pours all day and you just end up lounging with a cold drink and a paperback. Not the worst way to spend a vacation day.

Best places to base yourself in Bali during January

So you’re thinking, “Alright, I’m down for some wet season vibes—where should I stay?”

Here’s my two cents after doing the January thing a few times:

1. Ubud – Gorgeous during this time. It’s already jungle-y, so a bit of rain just adds to the whole magical, misty atmosphere. Lots of cozy cafes, yoga studios, and indoor stuff. Plus, if you’re into traditional culture, ceremonies still go strong even in the rain.
2. Sanur – Way more chill than Kuta or Seminyak. Great for couples or families. And because it’s on the east coast, sometimes it misses the worst of the late-day storms. Beaches are calmer too.
3. Canggu – Still buzzing, but way more relaxed than peak months. Some flooding issues, yeah, but there’s enough good food and fun spots to ride it out. The cafes here are next level, especially if you’re into vegan bowls and strong coffee.

Avoid highland areas like Munduk if you hate getting rained on all day. Beautiful, yeah, but foggy and wet AF in January. You might end up just watching clouds roll by from a soggy window.

What about flights and visas and all that practical jazz?

Flights to Bali in January tend to be cheaper—no surprise there. It’s not a major holiday period unless you’re dealing with Chinese New Year, which sometimes sneaks into late January. That’s when things get busy again, so try to avoid that week if you’re looking for peace and quiet.

Visa-wise, most folks can just get the visa-on-arrival (VOA) when they land. Costs about 500,000 IDR (roughly $35 USD) and it gives you 30 days. Super easy process at the airport.

One thing that’s key during the rainy season? Travel insurance. I don’t always get it for shorter trips, but for January Bali trips, I always do. Between the scooter slips, weather delays, and the occasional stomach bug (we’ve all been there), it’s just smart.

Oh, and airport pickups—book one in advance. The rain sometimes messes with traffic in Denpasar, and it’s a nightmare trying to haggle with soaked taxi drivers after a long-haul flight.

So, is January worth it or nah?

Honestly? Yeah. If you’re not obsessed with having perfect beach weather 24/7 and can deal with a few soggy shoes, January in Bali is still a solid move.

It’s cheaper, less crowded, greener than ever, and you get a bit of that “off-season insider” vibe. You’ll meet more long-term travelers, digital nomads, and folks who are in it for more than just a tan. And that means better convos at the bar, cooler yoga classes, and less competition for the best Nasi Goreng in town.

Related FAQs I get asked all the time (and my no-fluff answers)

Q: Does it rain all day every day in Bali in January?
Not really. It rains almost every day, but usually just a few hours—mostly in the afternoon or evening. Some days are totally sunny. It’s unpredictable but not miserable.

Q: Can I still go to the beach?
Absolutely. Just be ready for bigger waves and occasional beach cleanups after storms. Sanur and Nusa Dua are more sheltered if you want calmer water.

Q: Are the temples still open?
Yep. Rain or shine. Just bring an umbrella or rent one from the little shops outside. And yeah, you’ll still need to wear a sarong even if you’re soaked.

Q: What about scuba diving or snorkeling in January?
Totally doable, especially around Nusa Lembongan or Amed. Just keep an eye on visibility—it’s not always perfect after heavy rains, but it can still be solid.

Q: Is Bali safe during the rainy season?
Yes, but use common sense. Watch out for slick roads, take it easy on the scooter, and maybe skip the big hikes if there’s a downpour brewing.